Capitol Hill's Controversial Belmont Avenue Supportive Housing Project Faces Opposition

The article highlights the ongoing debate over a Belmont Avenue supportive housing project led by the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), which aims to construct a 120-unit apartment building for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Local opposition, spearheaded by business owner and mayoral candidate Rachael Savage, focuses on the neighborhood's existing challenges related to halfway houses and housing programs for at-risk populations. The project is part of Washington's Affordable Housing Cleanup Grant Program, which facilitates the cleanup of contaminated sites to make way for affordable housing developments. The Department of Ecology is currently overseeing a cleanup agreement for the site, which has been historically contaminated by petroleum products. Local stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public comment period, which ends on May 6th, to voice their opinions on the project.

The state program mandates that at least 40% of the new development must be designated as affordable housing for a minimum of 30 years. The Belmont DESC project is set to primarily serve individuals earning between 30% and 50% of the Area Median Income. This initiative underscores the complex interplay between housing needs and environmental concerns within the Capitol Hill community.